Three-star LB plans official visit

Raashaan Myers

07/29/2008

Three-star linebacker DeDe Lattimore of Cedar Shoals, Ga. already has a list of three schools that he plans to make official visits to this fall. With big time interest and 15 scholarship offers on the table, Louisville appears on the inside track with Lattimore.

DeDe Lattimore is a physical presence on the football field. Standing a stout, 6-1 225 pounds, Lattimore was dominant last year on defense racking up 118 total tackles, 18 for a loss, 12 sacks, and 18 quarterback hurries. The University of Louisville has focused this recruiting year to bolstering the defensive side of the ball and Lattimore fits the bill.

"Probably the best part of my game is my speed. I like to play the run more, but I can play coverage too because of my speed," said Lattimore. "This summer I tried to work on slowing down and being more patient on defense. Just basically not over running plays and being more patient as a defense player."

Lattimore focused this summer on becoming the best player that he can become and feels that he can live up to the icons he grew up idolizing.

"I think my summer went very well. I didn't really do much as far as camps, but I did go to Auburn for a week long camp. My coach told me to not worry about the camps and just work on my game and getting bigger and faster," said Lattimore. "The people that I try to model my game after are Ernie Sims of Florida State and Ray Lewis of Miami basically." That is tall company to make comparisons but Lattimore seems to thrive on it and uses the NFL stars as motivation.

On the recruiting front, Lattimore is looking to get a handle on the situation. Lattimore says that he would like to have his list narrowed down by the time school starts. Louisville is one school Lattimore has followed and has a great deal of interest in the Cardinals.

"I have not been to Louisville before but I would love to take an official visit to Louisville," said Lattimore. "Right now I don't know much about Louisville, but I know about Michael Bush. I grew up watching Louisville and it looks like the tide is starting to turn."

Louisville is in very good company in pursuit of the services for the three-star prospect.

"I have about 15 offers right now. Michigan, South Carolina, South Florida, Louisville, and I like Oklahoma State also. But right now I am still open and looking at some places," said Lattimore. "The schools that I know I am taking visits to are Oklahoma State, Michigan, and Louisville. I want to look at some others for official visits."

Many factors will help determine which school will ultimately be chosen, but distance from home will not be a factor according to Lattimore.

"I am really looking for a good team, good program, and a good environment. A place where my family can adapt to. And a school that is good academically also," said Lattimore. "Distance from home doesn't really matter, because my family will come watch me play no matter where I am."

As far as a time table for his recruitment, Lattimore seems to be intent on taking his time.

"I will probably wait until signing day to make my decision," said Lattimore.